Things I Wish I Had Known Before Coming to the UK as an International Student
Things I Wish I Had Known Before Coming to the UK as an International Student
Relocating to another country for studies is an exhilarating yet daunting experience. I remember the mixed emotions I felt a few years ago when I received my acceptance offer from Buckinghamshire New University. As an international student the excitement can easily overshadow the practicalities, leading you to overlook crucial things. That's why it's essential to start planning well before your departure. By doing so, you can ensure that your travel and settling in are as smooth as possible, allowing you to focus on what matters: your education and new experiences. To help you on this journey, here are some vital considerations every international student should keep in mind once you have your visa and are on your way.
Travel Documents
As an international student one of the most important things, I wish I had known before setting off on my incredible adventure to the UK is how vital it is to prioritise my travel documents. Let's begin with the passport. It’s your identifier and contains your travel visa if you've applied for it outside the UK and haven't received a digital status yet. I wish someone had told me that you will be asked for your passport at every entry and exit point, so keeping it within easy reach can make all the difference.
Next, you will want to gather proof of your finances like you did for your visa application. Go ahead and print this evidence out before you travel. It will show the immigration officials that you’re well-prepared and have what it takes to support yourself during your time of study when asked for it.
On top of that, having proof of your accommodations is important, even if it's just for a short while. Picture this: you arrive in the UK, and an immigration officer asks where you will be staying. At that moment, you will want to confidently show them that you have secured accommodation that proves you have planned and are ready to settle in the UK.
Lastly, it is important to remember your unconditional offer letter from the university and your Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) statement. These documents are not just papers, they are your ticket to proving to immigration officers that you've been accepted to study in the UK. They solidify your intent and purpose for entering the country, making your journey smoother!
To ensure your travel experience is hassle-free, pack all the essential documents mentioned above in a separate bag. I highly recommend keeping them in your hand luggage in a folder so they’re easily accessible when you need to present them when needed.
Where will I get accommodation?
As an international student, securing accommodation is probably at the top of your priorities. BNU can guarantee a place in one of their High Wycombe halls to all new students joining in September 2025*, however if you are joining after this you may need to find private accommodation.
The Accommodation team can also help you with renting in the private sector. From contract checking, landlord issues and issues with residents, as well as BNU’s very own online student lettings platform, StudentPad. You can contact them via email at accommodation@bnu.ac.uk or give them a call. They’re super helpful and can help you find suitable accommodation.
Sometimes, you can find accommodation through word of mouth, by asking your course-mates how they located their housing, especially if you are in temporary accommodation. Additionally, local social media groups, including BNU groups, often post about available rooms.
If you choose to use private landlords or agencies, they might require you to pay upfront for the entire academic year or allow you to pay in instalments by providing a guarantor (either UK-based or international). Therefore, keep an eye on these details when searching for accommodation. An important tip for international students is to find accommodation not far from the university, as this will help you save the money you would have used to commute.
When you secure your accommodation, make sure to obtain your Council Tax Exemption Form from the Student Hub, students@bnu.ac.uk. This will ensure the local council does not charge you for Council Tax, as students are exempt from paying it during full-time studies.
What clothes to pack
As an international student, if I could give myself one piece of advice when planning what clothes to pack, it would be this: resist the urge to bring your entire wardrobe! I understand the temptation but let me share a more strategic packing approach that I found helpful, especially when travelling to the UK.
Think about focusing on essential pieces and versatile clothing that can handle the unpredictable weather. Trust me, it makes your travel experience so much lighter, more comfortable, and, yes, even stylish! A cosy winter jacket, warm sweaters, and a sturdy pair of shoes. These are key basics for the UK’s ever-changing climate.
Remember, there are plenty of local shops that offer clothing options should you need them. Limiting your luggage to the basics leaves plenty of room for shopping opportunities to enhance your wardrobe.
So, why risk overpacking? Pack wisely and efficiently by bringing only what you genuinely need and selecting versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched. This strategy saves space in your luggage and makes organising your belongings a breeze. Here’s a pro tip: wear your heaviest clothes during travel. It can save you a kilo or two in your luggage and keep you warm as soon as you land in the UK. Pack smart!
Electronics
When packing for your journey to the UK, it's crucial to ensure that you bring every essential item, particularly your electronics. From your phone and laptop to your headphones, these devices are vital for staying connected and making the most of your experience abroad. However, one critical item often slips many international students' minds, the adaptor! Forgetting this small but significant accessory can leave you stranded and unable to use your beloved gadgets.
Imagine arriving excitedly in the UK, only to find that your devices can't connect to the power supply. Don't let this happen to you! Before you zip up your suitcase, take a moment to check if your plug type is compatible with the UK’s electrical system. Remember, the UK uses a type G or 13-amp plugs. Packing wisely means bringing your devices and ensuring you can use them when you arrive.
Kitchen essentials
When travelling or moving to a new place, it’s important not to overpack your kitchen supplies. Instead of cramming your entire kitchen into your suitcase, try to minimise the bulk of items like cutlery, which can really take up a lot of space. Looking back as an international student, I wish I had known that I could pick up affordable cutlery from local shops and retailers once in the UK.
Also, as someone who's been in your shoes, I wish I had thought about bringing along some spices and seasonings from home that are essential for my cooking. Because of the cultural differences in cuisine, it can be tough to find some of those favourite ingredients you love in your new surroundings. Bringing along a selection of your go-to spices and herbs can help you whip up familiar dishes and make your transition feel a little smoother.
Health Essentials
While many common medications are available over the counter, essential medications may require a prescription. As an international student travelling to a new country, carrying your prescriptions and any daily medications in your carry-on luggage is crucial.
I wish I had known earlier how important it was to find a local GP practice and register with them. This way, I could quickly order medication if I ever got sick. It's one of those things that can make a significant difference when you're in a new place. You can use the to find doctors surgeries that are currently accepting new patients.
Cash
As an international student coming from a cash-intensive country, one thing I wish I had known before arriving in the UK is just how cashless the economy here really is. It struck me immediately when I started making payments for everyday goods and services.
Having a bank card with some money on can make your life much easier as you navigate the UK, especially when you're hopping on trains or catching a taxi. However, I can't stress enough the importance of keeping a little cash on hand. There has been a time when my bank card decided it did not want to work right when I needed it most! A small reserve of cash can truly save you in those moments when you need a backup plan.
Opening a UK bank account should be your next priority. With a wide array of banks available, take some time to research and choose the one that perfectly fits your needs. You can use comparison sites like to search for the best deals and accounts. To set up your account, you’ll typically need your passport and proof of your term-time address, which you can get from the university's Student Hub.
Furthermore, if you’re considering a part-time job to help with your expenses, securing a National Insurance (NI) number is crucial as every employer is required by law to ask for it. You can apply for this online through the .
This is not an exhaustive list because I truly believe you can never fully prepare for a new experience. However, you can learn from the experiences of others and try not to repeat similar mistakes. These are some things I wish I had known before embarking on my journey to BNU as an international student. I hope that my insights can be helpful to those of you planning the exciting journey of studying abroad.
